Writing a Leave Letter in English is an important skill for students and professionals alike. Whether you need time off for health reasons, family events, or personal matters, a well-written leave letter helps meet your request clearly and politely. It checks that your holiday is known and controlled professionally.
For school and college students, leave letters are often required to inform teachers or principals about missing classes. Similarly, in a workplace, leave letters allow managers and HR teams to plan tasks and manage workloads easily. A properly ordered letter shows respect, responsibility, and professionalism.
This guide provides guides and tips for writing leave letters for various states, including school, college, and work. By following these examples, you can easily write a short, polite, and effective leave letter that fits your specific needs.
How to Write a Leave Letter in English
Creating a leave letter is a key ability for handling time away from school or the office. Use these easy steps to craft a clear and effective leave request:
- Start with a Polite Greeting: Begin with “Dear [Name]” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
- State Your Purpose Clearly: Mention why you need leave and the dates.
- Keep It Brief: Write only important details and avoid extra information.
- Show Appreciation: Thank the recipient for understanding your leave request.
- Include Your Contact Information: Add your phone or email for follow-up.
- Close Politely: End with “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and your name.
- Proofread: Check for spelling or grammar errors before sending.
Why Are Leave Letters Important?
- Formal Communication: A leave letter in English creates a formal record of your absence, helping your school or workplace track requests properly.
- Show Professionalism: Writing a formal leave letter reflects responsibility and respect for rules, boosting your professional image.
- Helps in Planning: Informing teachers or managers in advance allows them to manage tasks and schedules smoothly during your leave period.
- Clarifies Absence: A clear leave application explains your reason for being away, making it easier for others to understand and support you.
- Maintains Records: Leave letters act as documentation for future reference, check reporting and avoid confusion about past absences.
Types of Leave Letters
Leave letters are grouped according to the purpose and situation for which they are written. Below are some of the most frequently used types:
- Sick Leave Letter: Use a sick leave letter when you are unwell and cannot attend school or work. Always mention your illness clearly.
- Casual Leave Letter: Write a casual leave letter for short personal matters or urgent situations that need your attention.
- Vacation Leave Application: Request time off with a vacation leave application for planned holidays, travel, or family events.
- Medical Leave Application: Use a medical leave application for treatments or procedures requiring draw out absence. Attach supporting documents if needed.
- Maternity Leave Letter: Expecting mothers can formally request time off using a maternity leave letter according to company or school policy.
- Emergency Leave Letter: In urgent or chance situations, submit an emergency leave letter to explain your sudden absence.
- Leave Extension Letter: If you need more time off than originally approved, write a leave extension letter with reasons and new dates.
Tips for writing a leave letter

Plan your leave
Always plan your leave in advance to avoid last-minute issues, check your leave application is timely and order.
Keep the tone formal
Maintain a professional and polite tone in your leave letter in English to show respect and responsibility.
Be specific
Clearly mention the reason, time, and dates in your leave letter so your request is easy to understand.
Provide proof
Attach necessary documents like medical certificates or invitations to support your leave application, making it credible and professional.
Keep it concise
Write your leave letter briefly, focusing on key details, avoiding unnecessary information, and maintaining a clear message.
How to Write Leave Letters for Different Scenarios

Sample 1: How to Write a Leave Letter to the Principal
[Your Name]
[Class/Grade]
[Date]
The Principal
[School Name]
[School Address]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing this leave letter in English to request leave from [start date] to [end date] due to [reason e.g., health issue, family matter, or personal reasons]. I assure you that I will complete all missed assignments and notes once I return.
Thank you for your understanding and support regarding my leave application. I will follow up as needed to catch up on lessons.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Roll Number/Class Section]
Sample 2- Leave letter to the class teacher for brother’s marriage function for 3 days
[Your Name]
[Class/Grade]
[Date]
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that my brother’s marriage is scheduled on [Date], and I would like to request leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to attend the function. I understand this may interrupt my studies, but I assure you I will complete all missed classwork and assignments once I return.
I have already informed my classmates and made arrangements to catch up on lessons. I will also stay in touch with group members to ensure my absence does not affect any projects or presentations.
I have attached a copy of the wedding invitation for your reference and would be grateful if you could approve my leave at the earliest to make travel arrangements.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3- Casual leave to the manager for 2 days
[Your Name]
[Department/Team]
[Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request a 2-day casual leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] for personal reasons. I have ensured that all my work is up to date, and I have ordered my team to cover any urgent tasks during my absence.
I apologize for any brother this may cause and assure you that I will complete any pending tasks before leaving. I will also be available via email in case of urgent matters.
Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to your approval.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Vacation Leave Application
[Your Name]
[Department/Team]
[Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request vacation leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] as I plan to [reason – e.g., travel, family gathering, or personal time]. I will ensure that all my responsibilities are managed during my absence and will assist in any transitional work before I leave.
Thank you for all in all my request, and I look forward to your approval.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
Sample 5: Medical Leave Application
[Your Name]
[Department/Team]
[Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request medical leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] as I will be undergoing [medical procedure or treatment]. I have attached the proper medical documents for your reference.
I appreciate your support during this time and will check a smooth handover of my duties before my leave. I will also stay reachable via email in case of urgent matters.
Thank you for your understanding and payment.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
Sample 6: Maternity Leave Letter
[Your Name]
[Department/Team]
[Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally request maternity leave starting from [Start Date] to [End Date]. As per company policy, I am eligible for [number of weeks/months] of maternity leave. I will ensure that all my responsibilities are managed before my leave begins.
Thank you for your support during this important time. I appreciate your understanding and payment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
Sample 7: Emergency Leave Letter
[Your Name]
[Department/Team]
[Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request emergency leave due to [brief report of the state]. I will need to be away from work from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I apologize for the short notice and appreciate your understanding.
I will make sure to check in periodically and keep you updated on any important matters during my absence.
Thank you for your payment.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
Common mistakes to avoid while writing a leave letter

Not following the correct format
Always use a proper leave letter format. A clear shape check your leave application looks professional and is accepted.
Being vague
Avoid unclear reports. Specify the reason, dates, and time in your leave letter to make your request easy to understand.
Not planning in advance
Plan your leave early. Submitting a leave application on time helps managers or teachers manage schedules easily.
Not following company policies
Follow your body rules when writing a leave letter. Ignoring policies can cause doubt or delay talk of your request.
Conclusion
Writing a leave letter in English is a key skill for students and professionals. A clear and well-ordered leave application to check your absence is understood and managed smoothly. By following the proper leave letter format, stating your reason, planning in advance, and maintaining a polite, professional tone, you can avoid common mistakes.
Attaching relevant documents and keeping your letter concise further builds up your request. Whether it is for school, college, or work, using these tips and guides will help you write effective leave letters confidently, showing respect, responsibility, and professionalism.
FAQs
How do I write a leave letter for school?
Start with a polite greeting, state the reason and time of leave, show thanks, and close politely. Keep your school leave letter clear and concise.
What is the proper format for a sick leave application?
Include your details, a formal greeting, the reason for holiday, leave dates, and a polite closing. Attach medical proof if required for your sick leave.
How can I write a leave application for a family function?
Mention the family event, clearly state the leave dates, tell completion of missed work, and politely request approval from your teacher or manager.
What should I include in a maternity leave letter?
Specify expected leave dates, mention company or school policy, outline move of responsibilities, and show appreciation for support during your maternity leave period.
How do I write an emergency leave application?
Explain the urgent situation briefly, state the leave time, apologize for short notice, and request understanding. Remain professional and reachable if needed.
What’s the difference between sick leave and medical leave?
Sick leave covers short-term illness, while medical leave is for draw out treatment, surgery, or recovery. Both require a clear report and proper documentation.
How do I write a leave extension letter?
Formally request additional leave, provide a reason for extension, specify new dates, and thank the receiver for understanding and all in all your updated leave request.
How do I write a leave application for a personal emergency?
Clearly explain the emergency, mention leave dates, assure minimal upset, and apologize for worry. Keep the tone professional and submit the leave request promptly.
What’s the best way to inform my boss about taking a sudden leave?
Submit a formal leave letter or email now, explain the weight briefly, state look for time, and notify clearly if possible for smooth reporting.
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